The amount paid to fighters at UFC 311 may surprise you, but is this the final amount they receive?

Surprising payouts at UFC 311: Makhachev earns less than Moicano, Dvalishvili gets the highest?

The first major event of the year in the global MMA scene, UFC 311, has officially concluded, marking the end of a day filled with new records and achievements.

Among the highlights, the amount paid to fighters at this event has continued to be a topic of discussion among fans. Since UFC 311 was held in California, one of the few states that disclose fighter earnings, we can get an idea of the amount paid to them under their contracts.

And you will definitely be surprised.

Champion Islam Makhachev, who triumphed in the main event, only received $200,000—less than his replacement opponent Renato Moicano, who earned $250,000. And without additional win bonuses, Makhachev’s earnings are even lower than many fighters on the main card, such as Jiri Prochazka ($250,000), Jailton Almeida ($220,000), Reinier de Ridder ($210,000), and Kevin Holland ($250,000).

Islam Makhachev only received $200,000 for his victory at UFC 311?

What about Merab Dvalishvili, the bantamweight champion? The Georgian fighter was announced with the highest payout of $500,000, while his opponent Umar Nurmagomedov only received $100,000.

According to information revealed by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), even a lower-ranked fighter competing on the Prelims Card, like Grant Dawson, earned $212,000 (including win bonuses), which is higher than Islam Makhachev’s payout.

Certainly, these numbers are not the actual figures, at least not for some of the fighters mentioned above. The UFC is known for keeping fighter payouts under wraps. And when state laws require the disclosure of contract earnings, these disclosed amounts are just a part of the actual compensation.

A champion and star like Islam Makhachev, who fights in the spotlight of a major event, is sure to receive additional earnings from pay-per-view revenue shares. Additionally, the $200,000 contract amount disclosed for UFC 311 may only be specific to that event and not Makhachev’s main contract with the UFC. He could also earn from sponsors or promotions, with UFC’s involvement.

Islam Makhachev set two new personal records: the most lightweight title defense wins (5) and the longest title defense win streak (4) with his victory at UFC 311. He also holds the second-longest win streak in UFC history with 15 consecutive victories, tied with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, and just one win shy of the legendary Anderson Silva.

Makhachev is entering the peak phase of his career with significant potential for the UFC to capitalize on.

Not to mention, Islam Makhachev’s career still has a vast future ahead.

After missing out on a match with Arman Tsarukyan, it’s highly likely that Makhachev will need to complete a rematch with Charles Oliveira – the opponent he defeated to claim the title at UFC 280.

Looking at other weight classes, Makhachev has also stated that he’s willing to move up to welterweight to target a second title. However, this plan would need to be discussed with his teammate, Belal Muhammad, who is currently the reigning welterweight champion. Additionally, the featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of moving up to challenge Makhachev.

With such a champion full of potential, could Islam Makhachev really be earning less than $1 million per fight at this stage? Certainly not. The same reasoning could apply to Merab Dvalishvili’s situation as well.